80+ Funny and Heartfelt “Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes

Plus, how to celebrate a birthday according to a professional life coach

Co-authored by Dan Hickey

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

• Short & Simple
|
• Funny
|
• Parent
|
• Wife
|
• Husband
|
• Captions
|
• Quotes
|
• How to Celebrate

|Show more |Show less

Turning 47 may not be considered a milestone birthday, but it’s still a special day nonetheless! We’ve got the best 47th birthday wishes to put in any card, text, or caption, from funny wishes for friends to romantic messages for your husband or wife. Plus, certified life coach Kirin Dejonckheere explains how to celebrate an adult birthday in a fun and meaningful way. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Our Favorite 47th Birthday Messages

• “May your 47th birthday be filled with smiles and cake. Wishing you the best!”
• “Happy 47th birthday to the only person who knows what a VCR is.”
• “You can cross out ‘dying young’ from your worry list. Happy 47th birthday!”
• “A true friend remembers your birthday, but not your age. Have an amazing day!”
• “Both age and glasses of wine should never, ever be counted. Happy birthday to you!”
• “Fierce, fearless, and 47.”
• “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” — William Shakespeare

Steps

Section 1 of 8:

Short & Simple “Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes

1. 
   Write a short but meaningful message to celebrate a loved one’s birthday. Who says you need a thousand words to make someone feel special? These brief wishes are perfect for a birthday text, a shout-out on social media, to add to a card, or even to write on a cake!

   • “Wishing you a 47th birthday as perfect as you are. Enjoy your day to the fullest!”
   • “Age is just a number! Happy 47th!”
   • “Hoping your day is as special as you are!”
   • “Sending you a bouquet of happiness on your 47th birthday!”
   • “May your birthday be as unforgettable as you are every day! Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Here's to another year of good health and happiness. I hope it's a great day!”
   • “You make the world a better place every day. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Sending love and hugs on your big birthday!”
   • “Close your eyes and make a wish. Someone as special as you deserves for it to come true!”
   • “May your 47th birthday be filled with smiles and cake. Wishing you the best!”
   • “Today is all about you, and I couldn't think of anyone who deserves it more! Happy 47th!”
   • “Celebrating another year of you! Warmest wishes on your special day!”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Kirin Dejonckheere is a certified life coach based in New York City who tailors each 1:1 session to her client’s needs, personality, and desired outcomes.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 8:

Funny “Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes

1. 
   Crack a lighthearted joke at the b-day person’s expense to make them giggle. If the special boy or girl can take a joke, a gentle roast poking fun at their age is the perfect way to make them smile on their special day. Plus, laughter really is a great gift—it can relieve stress and tension, boost your immune system, and improve your mood!

   • “Happy 47th birthday to the only person who knows what a VCR is.”
   • “You're not getting older, you're just becoming a classic. Vintage, even! Happy 47th!”
   • “Both age and glasses of wine should never, ever be counted. Happy birthday to you!”
   • “Hey friend, you still look 21 from a distance. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “You can cross out ‘dying young’ from your worry list. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Don't think of it as aging—think of it as leveling up. Congratulations, and here's to a great year ahead!”
   • “The best part of being older is that you did most of your stupid stuff before social media. Cheers to another trip around the sun!”
   • “Don't think of them as gray hairs. Think of them as strands of birthday glitter growing out of your head. Happy 47th!”
   • “One minute, you’re young and fun. The next, you have a favorite burner on the stove. Which one is yours? Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “A true friend remembers your birthday, but not your age. Have an amazing day!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday! I'd be a lot more excited about you turning one year older if I was in your will.”
   • “Happy 39 (again)!”

Section 3 of 8:

“Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes for a Parent

1. 
   Shower your parent with love on their 47th birthday. It’s a parent’s job to take care of their children, but on their birthday, it’s your turn to dote on them! Share a meaningful birthday wish that lets them know how much you appreciate all they’ve done for you—then promise to take care of some chores and be on your best behavior for the rest of the day!

   • “Being a parent isn’t easy, and we know that. Today is all about you. We can’t wait to give you a wonderful day, just like you’ve always done for us. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “To the woman who taught me life’s most important and valuable lessons, happy 47th birthday, Mom!”
   • “Dad, you’ve always been there for me. This year, I hope I can support you as well as you’ve supported me—starting with giving you the best birthday ever. Happy 47th!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday to the world’s greatest Mom/Dad!”
   • “A parent this outstanding deserves a birthday to match. I can’t wait to celebrate with you! Happy 47th!”
   • “I don’t say this enough, but it’s true—I love you! I’m so lucky to call you my parent. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Today is a day to celebrate all the hard work and love you’ve put into those around you. Your investment in us means more than anything. From all your kids, happy 47th birthday.”
   • “You’re not only my parent, but you’re my hero. Happy 47th!”
   • “I love you every day, but today is extra special. It’s your 47th birthday! I can’t wait to celebrate with you later!”
   • “Not a day goes by that I don’t remember how thankful I am for having you as a mom. Happy 47th birthday to the most amazing woman I know!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday! Your strength, resilience, and love have profoundly shaped our family. I hope your day is as remarkable as you are.”
   • “If I had to pick the most memorable lesson you’ve taught me, it would be always remembering to live each day like it’s your last. Today, it’s time to follow your own advice! Have a wonderful 47th birthday!”
Advertisement

Section 4 of 8:

Romantic “Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes for Your Wife

1. 
   Let your wife know how much she means to you on her special day. Whether you’re spending a cozy night in or celebrating with a night on the town, your wife’s birthday isn’t complete without a heartfelt message. Tell her that you appreciate all she does, that you love her, and that she’s even more beautiful today than when you first met:

   • “Although your birthday only comes once a year, my love for you will last forever. Today is your special day. I am glad we are spending it together. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “I hope your 47th birthday is as incredible as my love is for you. You are very special to me and deserve an even more special day.”
   • “There are not enough words in the dictionary to express how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Life is better with you. You complete every missing part of me. Happy 47th birthday, my darling. I love you very much.”
   • “It doesn't matter where you are or what you are doing. What matters is who you are, and I love who you are. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Congratulations to your parents for having such a beautiful person many years ago on this day. Your birthday reminds me that you are the only person I want to spend my life with. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday to the most wonderful wife a man could ask for. I'm so lucky to have you, and I feel that every day.”
   • “I want you to know that I see everything you do for me every day, and it means so much to me. Thank you for working so hard to create a beautiful life for us. I hope I can make this day beautiful for you. Happy 47th!”
   • “Your wish is my command today, sweetheart. I can't wait to take you out to dinner later. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “I am so blessed to spend my life with such a wonderful woman. You are the most amazing wife and mother I've ever seen, and I love spending time with you. Happy 47th birthday, honey!”
   • “When you're on my mind, I can't help but smile. On your birthday, I smile all day!”

Section 5 of 8:

Romantic “Happy 47th Birthday” Wishes for Your Husband

1. 
   Show your man you love him with a thoughtful birthday wish. It’s your hubby’s special day, and a birthday message from the heart is the perfect way to make him feel appreciated, supported, and loved. Let him know how he brightens your day, makes you feel safe, and is the best husband ever:

   • “No matter how many birthday cake candles you've got lit, they'll never light up my life as you do. Have a fantastic 47th birthday!”
   • “I can't put a price on our memories, but I can make them better by adding a few more to the pile! Happy 47th birthday, love!”
   • “Every day with you is one grand celebration filled only with beautiful moments. I love you, baby. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “You're why I enjoy the taste of fine wine, the smell of fresh flowers, and the flavors of the best food. Life is good because of you. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “Your love for me makes me strong, and I cannot help but be so grateful for you. Let's celebrate!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday to the best husband I could ever hope to have. I'm so proud of you, and I hope we can make today really special!”
   • “Thank you for putting up with all my to-do lists and for always being there for me. Let's make today special as we celebrate YOU! Happy 47th!”
   • “Today, your wish is my command! I'm making your favorite dinner, we'll have some cake, and let's make today the best day ever. Happy 47th birthday!”
   • “I'm so thankful I get to be your wife. You are strong, loving, brave, and kind, and I hope you have the most wonderful birthday yet!”
   • “Happy 47th birthday to my most darling husband! Today is special, but you make every day we have together a treat. You deserve all the best in the world!”
Advertisement

Section 6 of 8:

“Happy 47th Birthday” to Yourself

1. 
   Wish yourself a happy birthday with a cheeky selfie caption. You’ve taken the perfect birthday selfie, and now it’s time to post it! Go for a short, engaging, memorable caption that conveys how enthusiastic and grateful you are to begin another journey around the sun:

   • “47 years of life and loving every moment.”
   • “Embracing 4️⃣7️⃣ with gratitude and joy.”
   • “Feeling fabulous at 47! 🪩”
   • “47 and still going strong! 💪”
   • “47 years of dreams and achievements.”
   • “47 years of growth, wisdom, and happiness.”
   • “47 and still unstoppable!”
   • “Cheers to 47 years of incredible adventures!”
   • “47 and thriving like never before.”
   • “47 years of wonderful memories.”
   • “Fierce, fearless, and 47.”
   • “Feeling 47 😉”

Section 7 of 8:

Famous Birthday Quotes

1. 
   Borrow a famous figure’s words if you’re lost for your own. Can’t seem to find the right birthday wish to send? Leave it to the pros! Here are some funny, deep, and insightful quotes from writers, actors, comedians, and artists about birthdays and getting older:

   • “You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.”
     —Ogden Nash
   • “We don’t grow old. When we cease to grow, we become old.”
     —Ralph Waldo Emerson
   • “Middle age is when you still believe you’ll feel better in the morning.”
     ―Bob Hope
   • “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
     ―Mark Twain
   • “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”
     ―Lucille Ball
   • “The older you get, the better you get. Unless you are a banana.”
     ―Betty White
   • “Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.”
     ―Terry Pratchett
   • “I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.”
     ―Phyllis Diller
   • “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
     — William Shakespeare
   • “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.”
     — Madeleine L’Engle
   • “Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.”
     — Ausonius
   • “Youth has no age.”
     — Pablo Picasso
Advertisement

Section 8 of 8:

Celebrating a 47th Birthday

1. 1
   Plan a celebration that resonates with the birthday boy or girl. “I think, as an adult, it's most important to celebrate who [they] are as a person and also really focus on what makes that person happy,” Dejonckheere explains. “So, if it's someone who loves really big parties and loves a lot of attention and music, go for that! But if it's someone who prefers just having a few good friends together to reflect and connect and celebrate, go for something a little bit more intimate.”
2. 2
   Consider an experiential celebration. Dejonckheere continues, “What's also nice when you get older is creating an experience, rather than an actual party, like a weekend getaway or trying something new, a cooking class, or something extreme, like skydiving. I think that could be a good way to celebrate and bond.”

   • Not sure what kind of experience to pick? “I think finding something that aligns with the values of the person that is being celebrated is most important, and then you can start working from there,” Dejonckheere adds.
   • For example, if they are passionate about environmentalism, an afternoon of doing a neighborhood cleanup or visiting a local forest preserve could be great options.
3. 3
   Take time to reflect if you’re the one turning 47. “I think, as the person that's celebrating, just taking a moment on the day itself to reflect and journal on your achievements and set intentions for the year to come is a really important part of [the birthday],” according to Dejonckheere. No matter how you end up celebrating, find a few minutes to have to yourself and reflect in a way that works for you:

   • You could journal about how you’re feeling and what you hope to achieve in the next year.
   • Or, you could just meditate and let new realizations and ideas about getting older and what you want to do in life come to you.
   • Try making a gratitude list of things in life you’re grateful for to start 47 in an optimistic mindset.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!